Definition

A type of compound that contains water molecules in a specific ratio, where there is one water molecule for every two molecules of the main substance.

Example

Plaster of Paris is a common example of a hemihydrate used in construction and art.

Conversation

I just learned about this substance called hemihydrate in my chemistry class.

Oh really? What does it do?

It's interesting because it has half a mole of water for every mole of the compound.

That sounds cool! I wonder how it’s used in real life.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hemihydrate → It is formed from "hemi-" (from Greek "hēmi", meaning half) and "hydrate" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water). The word describes a compound that contains half a molecule of water for each molecule of the substance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'half' ('hemi-') of a 'water' molecule ('hydrate') — that's why hemihydrate refers to a substance with half the water.

Visually Confused Words